They agreed on the need to intensify all-level delegation
exchanges, maintain political consultation and coordination between the two
foreign ministries, and continue to complete the legal framework in order to
enhance cooperation in all spheres, especially economy, trade, and investment.

The two sides also consented to creating favourable
conditions for Vietnam’s
major exports – such as agro-forestry products, garments-textiles and wood products
– to access the Estonian market and other Baltic countries, and for Estonia’s key items – such as IT, wood, and foodstuff
products – to penetrate Vietnam
and the ASEAN.

Deputy PM and FM Minh lauded the signing of the agreement on
double taxation avoidance by Vietnam and Estonia, and suggested the two
countries soon negotiate to reach the signing of an agreement on economic
cooperation, thus facilitating bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties.

The officials consented to strengthening and expanding
partnerships in areas with potential, such as education-training, agriculture,
culture-tourism, and national defence and security.

The two sides spoke highly of effective bilateral affiliation
at international forums and organisations, and concurred to continue with their
close coordination at multilateral institutions and within the United Nations, the
ASEM, and other multilateral forums at which both Vietnam and Estonia are
members.

FM Sven Mikser affirmed that Estonia
supports Vietnam
in boosting comprehensive cooperation with the EU, including the early signing
and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

Host and guest noted with pleasure the active developments in
bilateral relations since Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip’s visit to
Vietnam in 2011.

They also talked about regional and international issues of
shared concern, stressing the significance of peace, stability, security, and
navigation safety and freedom.

Estonia
backs the standpoint of ASEAN and Vietnam
on handling disputes in the East
Sea by peaceful measures
on the basis of respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Sven Mikser said.

The Estonian FM paid an official visit to Vietnam from September 13-14 at the
invitation of Deputy PM and FM Minh.–VNA